Sarah E. Moss '02, a mathematics concentrator from Leverett House, received the 100th annual Jacob Wendell Prize at the Harvard Faculty Club Saturday night.

The scholarship, established in 1899 by English professor Barrett Wendell in honor of his father, consists of a $17,000 stipend for the sophomore applicant whose first-year record "indicates extraordinary academic achievement and contribution to the Harvard community."

Moss received the award at a dinner with about 50 faculty members and administrators, past scholarship winners and members of the Wendell family. President Neil L. Rudenstine also made an appearance before the dinner.

The winner was chosen by a special University committee, which evaluated each student's grades, interview and personal essay, which in Moss's case was a mathematics proof.

This year's committee included Professor of Biology Kenneth J. Boss and Herman B. Leonard '74, academic dean of the Kennedy School of Government.

According to Dean of Freshmen Elizabeth Studley Nathans, all first-years who end second semester in "Group I" of the Dean's List are allowed to apply for the scholarship. The winners may decide how to use the money.

Moss said she was pleased by the award.

"It's an honor to be part of this tradition," Moss said. "I enjoyed meeting members of the Wendell family."

Her father, Jeff Moss, said he was extremely proud of his daughter.

"She earned it on her own without mom and dad," he said.

Kay Moss, her mother, called the award a "life-changing opportunity."

Her parents said Moss might use the stipend to travel.

Andy Thomas, a member of the Wendell family, said Moss is a very deserving award recipient.

"Her accomplishments are truly remarkable," Thomas said.